What is metal stamping?

Metal stamping involves the use of small individual metal bars that have letters or designs on one end.  A hammer is used to hit the bars and make an impression into metal.  Each letter or design is lined up and stamped individually, allowing for changes in arrangement and spacing.  Metal stamping is a process that pushes into and moves the metal when an impression is made.  This is different from engraving, which removes the metal.  Therefore, with metal stamping, a slight defacement can occur on the backside of the metal where the impression is made.  For this reason, metal pieces are usually not stamped on both sides, unless a very thick metal is being used.